- Power pop
- Alternative pop/rock
- College rock
- Indie pop/rock
- Art rock
Comment: The
Californian, US-based Shinobu is a meritorious quintet whose 11-track issue
used to mostly drift between college rock and power pop elements which frequently
are superimposed or blended into each other. More profoundly, it does mean
their song structures are built up quite straightforwardly and the combo`s
lyrics is about anxiety, haunting past, and warped reality. The favourite
tracks of mine are those where the band decided to abandon usual verse-chorus
form and develop into extraordinary ways. For instance, at Hell Screens the track starts off with hirsute, thrusting guitars
being quite similar to an angular, math rock exploration. And it is very sympathetic
to listen to the somehow elliptical and swaying chorus at the rear part of the
song. Jokes is a great punk song with
appropriate, nihilistic energy which always used to make sense. The most
favourite of mine is Melbourne Cup
which embarks on by reminding of Albarn & Coxon`s (Blur) songwriting but
which will finish off being awash with permanent echo and delay effects thereby
magnifying the whole effect. In a word, the album as a whole experience is solid
and enjoyable.
